Unbelievable teaching and cultural immersion experience of a lifetime. Past Review
By Sarah R (Social Sciences Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 07/11/2013 to 08/14/2013 with
University of Northern Iowa: Dongguan - UNI Summer Camp in China
It was so much more than I ever expected. I learned so much from my students and my friends. It was very humbling, and I am very proud to be an American. I will never forget these memories that I made.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Since we were not studying it was not rigorous. It was very educational and humbling. When one is emerged entirely into a different culture, they learn a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
For China, I was very satisfied with our housing. There were a coulpe questionable things, but compared to what other around us were staying in I will not complain about my living conditions. |
| * Food: |
The canteen food was not the greatest, but restaurant food in China tends to be cheap and delicious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You are entirely in their culture. I loved it. I asked a lot of questions and learned a lot. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
My roommate was allergic to gluten. The tour guides were very accommodating at restaurants for her issues. At the camp, they got her her very own rice cooker and fresh fruits for her for breakfast. |
| * Safety: |
Do not be stupid, and you are very safe. Always practice smart traveling guidelines. The city of Donnguan is not scary, and the people are very nice there. Most people will help you out if you need it. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
If you do not spend your money on stupid things, living and eating in China is very easy. It is very cheap and delicious. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I bought a lot of things, two of which were very expensive and knew they were. I ended up spending $800. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
They encouraged us to learn a little, but usually we had someone who spoke both languages with us. I learned a decent amount of chinese that my TA and friends there taught me. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | none |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how bad misquotes really are in Donnguan. I wish I knew the level of knowledge my students had, so I could have brought appropriate materials. I also wish I could have brought more granola bars. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
